Hixenbaugh, 29, was 58-28 in three seasons with the Saints, capped by last season's 24-5 campaign that included the first district title in school history. Trinity Prep took eventual state Class 2A champ St. Petersburg Admiral Farragut (26-6) to the wire in a 53-50 regional semifinal loss.

"For me, it's going from a great school and situation to another great school and situation," Hixenbaugh said during a break in his summer camp at Trinity Prep on Wednesday.

It's also a chance to inherit a team that could challenge reigning state champ Edgewater for the Class 6A, District 3 title. Winter Park is loaded with young talent, including juniors-to-be Jeremiah Rivers (6 feet 4), John Pietcewicz (6-1) and Francis Aihe (6-8), and superb sophomore Jordan Bolton (6-5). All indications are that Rivers -- son of the former Magic coach -- is staying put even with his dad taking the Boston Celtics' coaching job. Rivers is rated No. 2 among Florida's rising juniors by Galaxy of Stars magazine.

Kohn went 3-26 with ninth graders playing under fire two years ago and improved to 14-13 last season. But Winter Park Principal Bill Gordon said Kohn's dismissal was not about victories and losses but about a lapse in certification, the continuing education required for all teachers.

"I was told it was a teaching-certification issue, but I really don't understand it all," said Kohn, a former Lake Howell and UNC-Asheville standout. "I can be certified by the end of the summer."

Elsewhere, former Orlando Magic guard Anthony Bowie is out after one season as coach at Bishop Moore. The Hornets finished 16-12 after an upset loss to Umatilla (8-16) in district tourney play.

"We felt it was in the best interest of the program that we make a change," Hornets Athletic Director Mike Malatesta said. "We've had a few calls, and my intention is to fill the position as quickly as possible. We've got anxious kids."

Trinity is in the same situation. Athletic Director Kathy Finnucan said the school will accept resumes through next week.

Mike Cuff, who was 38-48 in three seasons (2000-03) at Bishop Moore, has been elevated to coach at Lake Brantley. Last season with the Patriots, Cuff assisted Kennith Johnson, a former Stetson player who left Brantley to take an assistant's job at Florida International University.

Brantley was 7-19 last season but returns its top three players: Marquis Johnson (6-6/Sr.), Todd Stamp (6-3/Sr.) and Division I-A football prospect Kyle Fowler (6-2/Sr.). The Patriots went 8-2 at the FIU team camp, losing only to Miami High.

MAKING THEIR PITCHES

University High grad R.J. Swindle signed with the Boston Red Sox after being drafted in the 14th round and is pitching for the Class A Lowell (Mass.) Spinners. Swindle set Charleston Southern records for victories (24) and strikeouts (394) in three seasons of college ball. Lefty Derek Wells, a 33rd-round pick out of Timber Creek, has also signed with the Red Sox.